(Clearwisdom.net) Ever since October 2002, when Jiang was sued in the United States for crimes against humanity, genocide, and torture, Jiang and his regime's brutal persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners who believe in Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, has been exposed to the world, causing wide-spread concern. Each country's government and various organizations are condemning the persecution and calling for an end to it through diplomatic or legal channels. In addition, related international organizations, such as the "World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong," among others, are actively conducting investigations and collecting evidence of Jiang and his regime's persecution of Falun Gong. They are presenting this evidence to the public, in order to bring those criminals who have initiated, planned, and carried out such an unconscionable persecution to justice.
At the beginning of the New Year, news came from Canada that Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program (CAHWCP) will hold accountable those who have persecuted Falun Gong in Mainland China. What is the meaning of this and what is the impact?
Those Who Persecuted Falun Gong Have Been Placed on File as "Criminals Against Humanity"
This action has undoubtedly sent a message to those persecuting Falun Gong in China; all persecutors have been designated as criminals against humanity by the Canadian Department of Justice, Canadian Immigration, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Last September, the Canadian Falun Dafa Association and the "World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong," submitted a document to RCMP and Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program (CAHWCP). Including Jiang Zemin, "610 Office" head Li Lanqing, and Luo Gan, this file documented the crimes committed by 15 high-level Chinese officials against Falun Gong and the related evidence. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that a file has been opened with the War Crimes Unit. The filing of a second batch of criminals of 30 names and evidence took place on January 20. We have learned that as many as 10 thousand names will be provided.
CAHWCP was initiated in the mid-1980's to apprehend the war criminals of World War II, and has been extended to modern war criminals and criminals against humanity. What CAHWCP has done with respect to the persecutors of Falun Gong constitutes the first action a foreign government has taken to oppose the persecution of Falun Gong that carries clear direction and profound meaning. This makes Canada's position on the persecution against Falun Gong very clear.
Evil Has No Escape
This action made all persecution of Falun Gong impossible in Canada, and thus shattered the plans of many persecutors to take refuge in Canada and escape punishment from the law. This action includes denial of visas, cancellation of citizenship, barring from entry, deportation, and prosecution of those who commit crimes against humanity. In the event that a perpetrator of atrocities against Falun Gong practitioners lands in Canada, a prompt investigation will be conducted, and further legal action can be taken.
CAHWCP is carried out with the combined efforts of three departments, the Departments of Justice, Immigration, and Public Security. According to Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program 2001-2002 annual report, in that fiscal year, 445 people were not granted visas to Canada, 46 were deported, 3,983 cases (including cases that took place outside Canada) were under investigation.
Renowned human rights lawyer David Matas said, "There is sufficient evidence to believe that these people have committed crimes against humanity and severe human rights violations," Matas said, "This is just the first step of our legal action. We will further our plan, because it is not possible to do this in China now."
Addressing China through the CAHWCP shows our determination in bringing those persecutors of Falun Gong to justice. This is undoubtedly a heavy blow to all who have been involved in the persecution. At the same time, it serves as a warning to them and will help to end the persecution sooner.
Jiang and His Regime Tried to Manipulate Overseas Agencies to Apply Pressure, But Have Failed
Addressing this issue with the CAHWCP has won support from officials and the general public in Canada. In order to persecute Falun Gong, Jiang and his regime tried deceive the international community and apply pressure through overseas agencies. But as the facts of the persecution widely spread, their goal of manipulating the international community has totally failed.
Member of Parliament Rob Anders wrote a letter to support this action, stating, "Canada can't become a haven for these criminals and torturers. We should stop those who torture people and commit crimes against humanity in China from entering Canada... If we do not act now, those criminals will not stop."
The Secretary of Amnesty International Canada, Mr. Neve, said that governments of all nations must bravely employ all necessary measures to make sure all Chinese officials who have participated in human rights abuses are held accountable, no matter how high-ranking they are.
The Ottawa Citizen, Vancouver Sun, and Hamilton Spectator reported this action. The Chinese program on television station OMNI2 not only reported this press conference, but also conducted a survey, "Do you think Jiang and those officials should be stopped from entering Canada because of persecuting Falun Gong?" Sixty three percent said yes.
The Legal Systems in Western Countries Will Give Those Who Have Persecuted Falun Gong Nowhere to Hide
Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program began in the mid-1980's for the purpose of bringing WWII war criminals to justice. It was later expanded to include other war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others, all have this system. Canada has set a good example. Therefore, when the people of the world genuinely know the truth about Jiang's crimes against Falun Gong--which has resulted in at least 869 Falun Dafa practitioners being tortured to death, at least 6,000 practitioners being illegally sentenced to prison, and more than 100 thousand practitioners being sent to forced labor camps--how many countries will stand up to bring these persecutors to justice? This is probably what Jiang and his regime fear the most.
We believe the net of justice is tightening and will give those persecutors of Falun Gong nowhere to escape.